The HCCTP was developed as an integrated programme of schemes, which included a new transport hub at Hereford railway station.
Cabinet’s decision 22 July 2021 authorised that the remaining HCCTP programme funding be allocated to the development of the transport hub project design and consultation.
Network Rail are a key stakeholder in the Hereford Transport Hub, owning the train station and some of the land around the building. To ensure that we engage fully with them to support the development of the design of the Transport Hub it is a requirement that we enter into a BAPA.
Engagement with Network Rail has taken place but has reached a point at which they now require the BAPA to be in place before surveys, discussions about land acquisition, construction and maintenance can continue.
If surveys can’t be done, then WW+P cannot progress design, effectively pausing the project.
This BAPA outlines that the council will pay Network Rail’s professional fees for input to support and inform the development of the Hereford Transport Hub. Activities will include but are not limited to attending meetings, liaison with the design team and providing requested information to inform the design, surveys and construction stages.
This £100k figure is available within the current capital programme budget 2022/23 financial year.
Item 6 (Council related costs of £544k) in Appendix 1 of the 27 October 2022 cabinet paper states in the Note below the table that ** the Council related costs include programme/project management costs, legal, surveys and planning.
The £100k is not from the Gap funding of £6.3m required for the completion of the Transport Hub and will not trigger an overspend this 2022/23 financial year.